As an ardent lover of animals, one of the things that will cut my heart to the quick is seeing a person living on the streets with their pets. It does not matter to me how they got there - I just want them to be safe, for their animals to have what they need. I know there are others out there that feel the same. I know this because of Caring Hearts for Homeless Pets and Their Owners, a group of hard-working people doing amazing work on the streets of Phoenix. In the heat, in the rain, at night - this grass-roots organization goes out and performs much needed outreach to the homeless pets in our Valley of the Sun and their owners.

Their Facebook page is administered by Dusty Lee, Michelle Lynn, Tammy Cooper, Amalia Chavez Hultsch, and Nora Stout. It is through this page that they coordinate their efforts, reach out to the community for donations, and share the incredible stories of the people and pets they encounter. The group, founded by Dusty Lee, goes out each and every day to bring such necessities such as food, water, dog booties to protect pads from hot pavement, strollers for pets, leashes, collars, harnesses, clothing - whatever need they find, they try to fill it. They have also raised funds to help individuals get shelter for the night, paid for veterinary care, provided transportation to emergency rooms for those who needed medical assistance, even provided on the spot veterinary care with the help of veterinary techs within their ranks. The list of their good deeds is endless and ongoing.

They have been operating primarily in the Sunnyslope area of Phoenix so far; meeting at Margaret T. Hance Park, and then heading out with supplies. They have seen much and helped much. One volunteer, Courtney Pardo, helped reunite a homeless man with his family, who drove 300 miles to Phoenix to find him and bring him home. One of the hardest things to come by on the streets is fruit, and so the volunteers bring as much fruit as they can, in addition to the other supplies they bring.

As one can imagine, they face a huge task in helping homeless pets and owners. They need fresh volunteers, donations, items from their wish lists (Walmart and Amazon), and for people to "like" their Facebook page and share it. They are not yet a 501(c)(3), but their organization is entirely volunteer-driven and all donations go to helping those in need. Donations can be sent to: Caring Hearts for Homeless Pets and Their Owners, c/o Lisa Brown, P.O. Box 9458, Phoenix, AZ 85020 or via PayPal to Alex04dancing@aol.com. They have meetings every Sunday at Margaret T. Hance Park, but need volunteers and assistance in many different capacities, every day of the week. Please contact them via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caring-Hearts-for-Homeless-Pets-and-Their-Owners/691028667626325

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." ~William Penn

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Trish resides in Scottsdale with her husband, Steve, her adorable rescued chow mixes, Max and Cabo, and one formerly feral cat named Chopper. Trish currently serves on the board of Lost Dogs Arizona, administers the Lost Cats of Arizona Facebook page, and volunteers with 2nd Chance Dog Rescue. In the past, Trish served on the board of Sunbear Squad, a non-profit humane organization seeking to educate and empower individuals to advocate for animals in a positive and assertive manner.